Risk Factors for Alzheimers Disease

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition. There are still many questions regarding the exact cause of Alzheimers disease, so risk factors are still being identified.

It is possible to develop
Alzheimers disease
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing Alzheimers disease.
Currently, risk factors for Alzheimers disease include:

Age is the most important known risk factor for developing Alzheimers disease. The number of people with Alzheimers disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65 until age 85. By age 85, almost 50% of all people have the disease.

Alzheimers disease affects both men and women. Women may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease than men.
Some experts believe that this is because women live longer than men.

Individuals with a parent or sibling with Alzheimers disease have a 2-3 times risk of developing the disease compared to the rest of the population. In addition, there has been a clear genetic link established for an early-onset form of Alzheimers disease. This form of the disease occurs in people during their 30s, 40s, and early 50s. However, a specific gene has not yet been identified. One gene that has been implicated as being a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimers disease is the ApoE4 gene. Additional genes likely play a role in the increased risk of Alzheimers disease. Scientists continue to study the role of genetic factors in the development of this disease.

Head injury—there are some studies that suggest that people who suffered a serious, traumatic head injury at some time in their lives may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimers disease

Vascular risk factors. These may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimers disease

Down syndrome—nearly all people with
Down syndrome
who live to be age 40 or older develop Alzheimers disease

Some research has suggested that people who have higher education levels and continue to be mentally active and engaged in their later years are less likely to develop Alzheimers disease.
However, some experts suggest that this finding may be related to the fact that those with higher education levels tend to do better on the psychological tests used to diagnose Alzheimers.

Some theories suggest that Alzheimers disease may be linked to exposure to certain environmental factors, such as toxins, certain viruses and bacteria, certain metals, or electromagnetic fields. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support these theories.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.